Tite's technical assistant makes predictions for the clash with Peñarol: "we will improve"

Flamengo should have reinforcements for the clash this Thursday (17), at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes , at Maracanã, for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Striker Bruno Henrique and full-back Varela are the main names that should return to the team after absences last Sunday (14), against Juventude, for the Brazilian Championship.

Bruno Henrique returns to the team after feeling pain and undergoing a load control, while Varela, who returned from the FIFA Date with pubalgia, trained normally this Tuesday (16) and should be included in the match.

CONFIRMED SHORTAGES

Despite the returns, Flamengo will still have significant absences. Midfielder Jorginho suffered a muscle edema in his left thigh and will miss the match against Estudiantes . Alex Sandro continues to treat a left calf injury.

In addition, midfielder Pulgar is in the final stages of recovery from surgery on his right foot and will have at least two weeks of physiotherapy training before rejoining the squad.

PROBABLE LINEUP

Flamengo 's likely lineup for the match is: Rossi; Royal (Varela), Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas; Saúl, De La Cruz, Arrascaeta; Plata, Samuel Lino and Pedro.

Discussions about implementing financial fair play in Brazilian football continue to rage behind the scenes. This time, Flamengo's football director, José Boto, once again urged the CBF to implement the system in the country .

Flamengo's José Boto quips: "Financial fair play is something we should all do at home"

" People talk a lot about financial fair play, but they often don't know what it is . Financial fair play is something we should all practice at home: not spending more than we have. The problem is that some clubs engage in unfair competition, spending money they don't have, and leaving debts outstanding, including with players signed almost two years ago," he said in an interview with UOL.

Boto also highlighted that FIFA adopts strict penalties in cases involving European clubs, and argued that the same approach should be applied in Brazil: "When it involves European clubs, like Leixões or Estrela Amadora, FIFA takes action and they can't register anyone until they pay . This needs to be done here as well, otherwise it's unfair competition," he added.

FLAMENGO ALSO CHARGES INTERNACIONAL

In addition to the fair play debate, Flamengo is also actively involved in the CBF's National Chamber for Dispute Resolution (CNRD) . The club is suing Internacional for non-payment of Thiago Maia's purchase, which was made in 2024. The agreement was for €4 million (approximately R$25 million), divided into ten installments. However, almost two years later, with the midfielder already established in Porto Alegre, Flamengo has still not received the amounts owed.

WHAT IS FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY?

Financial fair play is a set of rules aimed at balancing clubs' finances, preventing them from spending more than they earn and avoiding excessive debt. Flamengo , which has been investing responsibly for years, is one of the supporters of this measure . On the other hand, clubs like Corinthians, Atlético-MG, and Botafogo could face difficulties in adapting to the system.

With the end of the 23rd round of the 2025 Brazilian Championship , a survey by the Mathematics Department of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) indicates that Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Palmeiras have 96.5% of the chances of winning the national trophy.

Flamengo leads the competition with 50 points in 22 matches played and has a 46.3% chance of winning the title . The red-black team beat Juventude away from home last Sunday (14), extending its lead in the table.

In second place, Cruzeiro has 47 points in 23 games and has an 18.9% chance of being champion . Raposa ended the round by defeating Bahia, away from home, by 2 to 1. Palmeiras , in turn, beat Internacional by 4 to 1 on Saturday (13) and reached 46 points in 21 games, with a 31.3% chance of winning the title.

OTHER CLUBS APPEAR ON THE LIST

In addition to the trio, Mirassol registers a 2.3% probability , while Bahia (0.75%), Botafogo (0.43%) and São Paulo (0.14%) appear with minimal chances. Fluminense (0.007%), Red Bull Bragantino (0.004%), Atlético-MG (0.001%), Corinthians (0.001%) and Eará (0.001%) complete the list with residual percentages.

FOCUS ON THE LIBERTADORES

Flamengo will 'disconnect' from the Brasileirão to face Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The duel marks the beginning of the knockout stage in the quarterfinals of the continental competition . The match will be broadcast live on ESPN, on pay TV, and on Disney+ for streaming.